CITY COUNCIL APPROVED STOP SIGN PLACEMENTS
The Brenham City Council met this afternoon, and approved the placement of Stop Signs on Becker Drive at the intersection with South Market Streets, and placement of a stop sign on S. Chappell Hill Street at the intersection with US Highway 290 E.
Council also approved several changes of land from a single-family district to a commercial/retail district, and from a Residential single family district to a local business/residential mixed use near the Mill Creek Subdivision.
One of the residents of an area near the Mill Creek subdivision, on Dixie St, expressed his concern about what kind of businesses would be able to set up shop in that area where it is mostly residential, noting that he would not be in favor of a 24 hour business in that area.
Council discussed way they could add restriction covenants into the lease once the land is sold to a business.
During the Work Session, there was discussion of Wayfinding Signage. The project is nearing completion and the Council were given an update by Wende Ragonis.
During the December 18, 2014 Council meeting, the staff, along with Main Street committee member Melinda Faubion discussed the importance of the signage.
Since then, the committee has worked closely with fd2s to identity concepts and colors and designs that work best for the City of Brenham.
Ragonis mentioned that the public feedback forum on February 10th was well attended, with 30 people from the public attending.
The Council heard from Curtis Rogers of fd2s, who showed those in attendance different examples of the signage, designed for both drivers and pedestrians. The signs will also comply with TXDOT 1st Priority signs, beginning at the Cloverleaf of Highway 290 and 360 on the west side of town.
The next step in the process is to set cost estimates for the project.
Also discussed in the Work Session of the status of a Lease Agreement between the City of Brenham and Faith Mission, in which Faith Mission was paying the City $1 a year to use the building.
In 2007, the City and Faith Mission entered into a lease agreement for the use of an old “Wood Working Mill” located on Key and Second St. Faith Mission was using it to store goods and supplies for emergencies for the homeless.
The building has become an eyesore in the past few years and needs many repairs.
The question was rather to abandon the agreement, or continue with the lease.
Randy Wells, of Faith Mission, addressed the Council, and said he would do whatever he had to do to make the building more functional, and would like to update the lease.
Council member Danny Goss asked Wells why he needed to have this building, when Faith Mission has another location to store these items.
Wells replied that the Market St. location is still being developed, especially with JC Penney recently vacated the premises adjacent to the Faith Mission building.
On the regular agenda, the Council approved a request for a noise variance from Washington County Historical Juneteenth Association and Darron Smith to celebrate Emancipation Day to be held on June 19, 2015, from 7:00pm until 11pm, and June 20, 2015, from noon until 4pm at Fireman’s Park. There will be one band and one DJ for the event, as well as the parade.
Also recognized by the City Council for service recognitions were Tommy Kurie, who has been with the police department for 25 years, and Judson Hall, who has been with the police department for 30 years.
And Council also proclaim National Historical Preservation Month and National Travel and Tourism Week in May.
